Leisure centres in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Nidderdale set to join Active North Yorkshire in second phase of rollout
The second phase of a plan to improve health and well-being across North Yorkshire is underway.
North Yorkshire Council last month launched its new sport and active well-being service, Active North Yorkshire (ANY), and brought the Selby and Tadcaster leisure centres under the new brand.
Officers are now working to bring centres based in Harrogate and the surrounding area into the new service.
The four leisure and wellness centres in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Nidderdale; the three well-being hubs at Fairfax, Stockwell and Jennyfield Styan; Harrogate’s Turkish Baths; Starbeck Baths; and the Little Explorers Day Nursery in Harrogate will move under the Active North Yorkshire banner on December 1.
A spokesperson said Active North Yorkshire is focused on “supporting everyone in the community to be active, with an increased emphasis placed on improving the physical and mental health and well-being of the county’s communities”.
Customers will still be able access their usual facilities and classes, but there will be additional targeted and locally-based activities and services, as well as increased support for community-based sport.
Coun Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for leisure, said he was pleased to hear that the first phase of the transition to ANY had gone smoothly.
He said: “Knowing that everything went well for Selby and Tadcaster paves the way for the bigger transfer in Harrogate.
“We have 10 facilities to move under the Active North Yorkshire brand but we are confident that our systems will work and customers will still be able to access everything as usual.
“This is a very exciting time for the council and for our leisure services as we continue to support the well-being of our communities.”
Leisure centres have been managed by five different operators in the former district council areas. But under the changes they will all move to be part of Active North Yorkshire, operated by North Yorkshire Council as active well-being hubs.
Nearly 3,000 people have taken part in the council’s “Let’s Talk Active” survey. There are still a few days left to complete it and help shape future services.
To take part, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/LetsTalk or pick up a paper copy from local libraries or leisure centres and return it in the envelope provided.